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It Has Been Over a Month, Why is the Government Still Shutdown?
Today marks day 34 of the government shutdown. My office has received many calls asking, “Why is the government shut down?” The truth is, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to prolong this shutdown for political leverage.
Don’t take my word for it. Here’s what some of my colleagues have said publicly about using the shutdown as a political tool:
Paying our troops "gives the president more leverage." – Senator Martin Heinrich
"you reopen the government, and we lose our leverage..." – Senator Bernie Sanders
"Every day gets better for us." – Minority Senate Leader Chuck Schumer
"...then I'd just go back and shut it down again." – Senator Ruben Gallego
"Frankly, this is our only moment of leverage. And although a very unpleasant tool to use..." – Senator Chris Coons
"There will be families that are going to suffer... but it is one of the few leverage times we have." – Rep. Katherine Clark
It’s backwards. My colleagues continue to play political games with the financial stability of vulnerable Americans, our military, and federal employees.
They have had multiple opportunities to extend appropriations debates without putting federal paychecks and benefits at risk, and they have voted no on those efforts 14 times.
I again urge you to contact your Senators. The continuing resolution needs to pass so that we can reopen the government, ensure essential paychecks are delivered, and get back to the work the American people sent us here to do.
The Enhanced Premium Tax Credit Debate
As you know, the team at the Joint Economic Committee and I are obsessed with math. With the debate over Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs), we decided to dig into the data to uncover what’s really happening. Below are a few figures you may find interesting:
Since the inception of the EPTCs, two major trends have emerged:
- Enrollment in the ACA Marketplace has surged, particularly in plans that cost enrollees $0.
- Zero-claim enrollees, individuals who use no health services despite being insured, have increased by nearly 250%.
This correlation suggests that while EPTCs have expanded enrollment, much of that growth has been in coverage that goes unused or may even be fraudulent.
As my team at the Joint Economic Committee continues to analyze the data, I’ll keep you updated on the math, and the truth, behind the EPTCs.
Visiting Grand Canyon University
Last week I had the chance to visit Grand Canyon University and speak with students in a Business Law and Ethics class. We discussed how Congress works, how policy decisions take shape, and how those choices affect Arizona. I also shared my experience serving in Congress and talked about how young people can get involved in public service and business leadership.
It was encouraging to see how interested these students were in the connection between innovation, entrepreneurship, and government. Their curiosity and insight gives me hope for Arizona’s next generation of leaders. If you know a college student, or upcoming high school graduate interested in applying for an internship in my District or Washington office, refer them to my internship page here to learn more about the application process.
Constituent Service Team Available During Shutdown
One of the most rewarding moments of being a member of Congress is connecting with constituents, hearing their stories, and assisting with issues that matter most to them. Whether it's resolving Social Security Administration and OPM claims, or helping with Medicare enrollment concerns, my team is dedicated to delivering results. Despite the current government shutdown, my constituent service team is available to assist you with your pending federal agency claims and applications.
Contact my district office team at (480) 946-2411 to learn if we can advocate on your behalf.
Here are a few recent testimonials from constituents we've helped:
“I’m writing to inform your office that we have finally received our long-awaited 2024 tax refund. My family and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support throughout this process. Thank you for the work you do on behalf of your constituents. We hope you continue to assist others, especially those who need it most.” Sincerely, Stephanie S. from Phoenix
“Just wanted to thank you for your help! Your casework team and the Social Security office helped look into things for me. When I called Medicare on Friday, the Medicare representative actually found my information first thing! So, now my claims will go through the system again. Again, thank you so much for your help with Medicare. Carol W. of Scottsdale”
“Thank you for your help and support in getting the IRS matter resolved. I would like to give special thanks to the caseworker who assisted me. He was very understanding, taking the time to learn about my situation and going out of his way to keep me apprised of the progress. Thank you again!” Brad F. of Scottsdale
“I want to thank you and your staff for working to resolve my issue with Social Security in a speedy and professional manner. I appreciate your work in this matter.” Greg S. of Phoenix
"I am glad to report that as of today all of my denied and delinquent DoD and Social Security payments have been received. For your records, Social Security was the most helpful and immediate agency to respond and correct. It took DFAS nearly 2 months to resolve and restore my pay benefits. I truly am grateful for your involvement and prompt actions to "right this wrong.” Again, thank you, Michael R. of Scottsdale"
If you or someone you know needs assistance with federal agencies, please reach out to my office at schweikert.house.gov/contact. We're here to serve.
Thank You to Our Academy Panelists
Thank you to the Academy Panelists who helped interview students seeking a congressional nomination to our nation’s service academies.
Their work is an important part of selecting young men and women who show strong character, leadership, and a desire to serve. Each year these volunteers help identify outstanding students from Arizona First Congressional District who are ready to take on the challenge of attending West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard or the Merchant Marine Academy.
We are grateful for their time and commitment to supporting the next generation of military leaders, and we are excited to see who among the applicants will receive appointments to the academies.
JEC Update
As mentioned in the newsletter last week, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8 percent Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA), effective January 2026.
In response to questions our office received on why the COLA was lower than the headline inflation (3.01 percent year-over-year) and core inflation (3.02 percent year-over-year), it’s important to note that these commonly reported figures are based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
By contrast, the Social Security COLA is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which tracks a narrower group of working households and serves as the official measure specified in Section 215(i) of the Social Security Act for annual benefit adjustments.
For the full September (CPI-U) inflation update, visit: https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/inflation-update
What I'm Reading and Why it Matters
Scottsdale Hospital Acquires 2 Joint Replacement Surgery Robots
I recently read an article about a Scottsdale hospital expanding its use of robotic systems for joint and orthopedic surgeries. The technology helps surgeons perform procedures with more accuracy and can lead to faster recovery times for patients. Hospitals in Arizona continue to invest in innovation that improves care and strengthens our healthcare system.
This matters because medical progress is about more than new tools. It is about improving outcomes, helping patients heal, and giving doctors better ways to treat their communities. Arizona’s focus on research and technology is helping build a healthier future for the state. |